Puddle a new addition to Rittman parks

Saturday

Jul 18, 2009 at 4:01 AM

By BOBBY WARRENStaff WriterRITTMAN -- The city will expand its park land as council agreed to accept land adjacent to the Industrial Street park from PFI Displays.Chief Executive Officer Tony Tricomi contacted City Manager Larry Boggs about giving the property, containing a pond commonly referred to as Charlie's Puddle, to the city.The company had purchased the property with the goal of constructing a building to support its operations and to serve as a nice entry point into the city.However, when exploring the options for the property, construction was hampered because of the land being in a wetland area, Tricomi said.As a result, the company abandoned plans to develop the land and Tricomi said his father, Vincent, suggested giving the land to the city.The measure would save the company a one-time road assessment of $5,800, and when the road assessment came up, it sort of served as a catalyst to discuss donating the property, Tricomi said.When Boggs presented the matter to council Monday, most expressed support. Boggs suggested at some point down the road a footbridge could be constructed to give residents access to connect the two park areas.While it might not be the best time for the city to acquire and maintain more land, Boggs recommended council accept it.Councilman Glen Russell said he hated to be the dissenting vote. But, even though the land was in a good location and it was a fine gesture on part of the company, Russell said he did not think the city was in the financial position to accept the gift.Later, during the public comment section of the meeting, Bill Workman asked Russell why he wanted to turn down something that would be advantageous to the city.With legislation to reduce worker benefits, Russell explained he did not think the city should incur extra expenses at a time when employees were asked to make sacrifices."It is a small price to pay for the property," Councilman Charles Copley said. "The city should accept the property."Council President Richard Lapehn said he could envision those who do not play on the ball fields walking over to the pond area. He also can see future Eagle Scout projects associated with the new land.Mayor Bill Robertson said the land would not be too far from where Wayne County Rails to Trails is planning a project.Councilman Lynn Beaumont said the thought it was a win-win situation, and recommended the city accept the land and the park be named in honor of the donor.Council authorized Boggs to accept the land and use it as a park by a 3-1 count with Russell voting against the measure. Councilmen Darrell Carey and James Johnson were absent.Reporter Bobby Warren can be reached at 330-287-1639 or bwarren@the-daily-record.com. He's robwar0100 on Twitter.

Never miss a story

Choose the plan that's right for you.
Digital access or digital and print delivery.